November 13, 2009, Newsletter Issue #118: Give Your Jaw Some TLC

Tip of the Week

Everyone reacts to stress differently, and one of the things I do, unfortunately, is clench my jaw at night. I think I grind my teeth a bit, too, but it's mostly jaw clenching, mostly on the left for some reason.


I had an appointment with my fabulous sports massage therapist last week, and I mentioned that I had serious pain on the left side of my jaw one morning last week. I've been stressed out with work and some other issues, and even running isn't quite getting rid of it all, I guess.


Anyway, she gave me this great tip for some jaw self-massage:


Prop your left elbow on a table, so your forearm is perpendicular to the table.


Place two or three fingers of your left hand just barely above the jaw bone.


Allow your head to sink onto your fingers, so they slide up along your jaw (if you are mashing your cheek upwards, you are doing it right).


If you are a jaw clencher, you will feel a sore spot. Move your fingers around and let the weight of your head help massage the area. Try it!  I think it's helping my jaw feel less achy. It doesn't help the source of the stress, but at least it helps my response to it!


 Running is my number one choice for stress relief. But until I can put running shoes on my jaw, this is a good alternative.


Happy Running!

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.